Mary Alderman vs. Progressive American Insurance Company

Case Background

On January 3, 2022, Plaintiff Mary Alderman filed a motor vehicle accident and negligence lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Orange County, Florida (Case number: 2022-CA-000069-O). Chad K Alvaro presided over this case.

Cause

On June 8, 2021, Mary Alderman drove her 2013 Buick Enclave on State Road 408 in Orange County, Florida. While stopped in traffic, Lynda Neuhausen, traveling in the same direction, attempted to change lanes without noticing the stopped vehicles ahead. Neuhausen’s vehicle collided violently with the rear of Alderman’s car, resulting in a significant rear-end collision. The crash occurred despite Alderman driving responsibly and following traffic laws. At the time of the motor vehicle accident, Alderman was insured under an auto insurance policy issued by Progressive American Insurance Company, which included uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Neuhausen, who was underinsured, was found solely responsible for the negligence that caused the collision.

Injuries

The rear-end collision caused Mary Alderman to suffer severe and life-altering injuries. She sought immediate medical attention at Advent Health, reporting acute pain in her neck, back, left knee, and left shoulder. She was diagnosed with a whiplash injury and prescribed pain medication, with instructions to seek further care if her symptoms persisted. Ten days later, Alderman visited Integrative Physical Medicine due to continued pain, including headaches, neck pain radiating to her arms, and lower back pain radiating to her right leg. Diagnostic imaging revealed significant trauma-related injuries. An MRI of her cervical spine showed a posterior herniated disc at C6-7, causing mild spinal stenosis. An MRI of her lumbar spine identified herniated discs at L4-5 and L5-S1. Imaging of her left shoulder revealed